National Independent Consultant to provide INGELO support

Description of the Assignment:The primary objective of this contract is to support the implementation of the Ingelo Local Market Access Certification Scheme by guiding a selected group of 20 MSMEs through the certification process. This initiative aims to facilitate their formal market penetration, enhance product and service quality compliance, and ultimately position them for entry into the AfCFTA market. By domesticating ISO standards and tailoring them to the realities of Eswatini’s MSMEs, the scheme seeks to reduce technical barriers and improve the competitiveness of local enterprises.Specific Objectives 1. Guided Certification Process: Provide hands-on support for Youth-MSMEs in navigating the Ingelo certification scheme, ensuring adherence to domesticated ISO standards while minimizing technical complexity. Capacity Building: Enhance Youth in MSMEs’ understanding of quality and safety standards by offering tailored technical assistance to improve their ability to comply with certification requirements. Market Access Facilitation: To increase market access for Youth-led MSME’s through Ingelo certification scheme/ Support MSME to identify suitable market for the certified Products Financial Accessibility Support: Explore cost-reduction mechanisms or financial assistance models that enable MSMEs to afford certification and sustain compliance with established standards. Product Testing: To identify local competent laboratory facilities to support the Ingelo certification process.Process Documentation: To document the Ingelo certification process through the piloting of an experiment in collaboration with ESWASA and MCIT. Product Development: To promote MSME product safety by inculcating production processes that will improve sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures.The consultant shall undertake the following tasks:Assist identified 20 youth-led MSMEs to develop and implement management systems for their production facilities. Assist in providing technical guidance/